Update for Class of 2023 on State Testing Graduation Requirements

The purpose of this post is to provide you with information on our state testing schedule. Students in grade 11 will be taking two performance-based assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and two performance-based assessments in Mathematics.

New Jersey public schools are transitioning to a new required statewide graduation assessment this year called the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) for all students in Grade 11. NJGPA is aligned to New Jersey Student Learning Standards for grade 10 ELA, Algebra I and Geometry. “The new regulations comply with State statute (N.J.S.A. 18A:7C-1 et seq.) and require, as a prerequisite for graduation, all students to demonstrate proficiency by achieving a passing score on the English language arts (ELA) and mathematics components of the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment, or by achieving a passing score on a substitute competency assessment, or by submitting portfolio appeals through their district.”

In May, NJSLA Assessment will be administered to Grade 9 students for Math and ELA, Grade 10 in Math and to Grade 11 students for science. More information on the May NJSLA testing will be posted closer to the testing dates. 

In an effort to minimize disruption to our educational program, Waldwick High School will isolate the Grade 11 students for testing and instructional classes will continue for students in grade 9, 10 and 12 while testing is taking place. Below is our Grade 11 NJGPA testing schedule for March.

The testing schedule had to be adjusted, all testing will now take place in the morning on the following dates:  3/15, 3/16, 3/17 & 3/18. 

AM Testing Only 8 - 9:55am (Approximately)

Tuesday, 3/15 - Day 3 (ELA Unit 1)
Wednesday, 3/16 - Day 4 (ELA Unit 2)
Thursday, 3/17 - Day 1 (Math Unit 1)
Friday, 3/18 - Day 2 (Math Unit 2)

Please note: If a student completes a unit early, he/she is permitted to read a recreational book.

Students who are absent on the day of testing will be required to make up the NJGPA assessment at a later date within the testing window. Therefore, please make every effort to have your child attend school on the days of testing.

Students will receive their testing locations from their Language Arts teacher during the week of March 7.

Student Preparation for the NJGPA:

• Make sure your laptop is fully charged and that you bring your charger with you to school.
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before the assessment. Start your day off with a good breakfast so that you have plenty of energy to take the test.
• Think positively and breathe. Believe that you will do your very best. Be confident in your ability.
• Read the directions and questions carefully on each part of the test. If you understand what you are supposed to do, it will save time and help you avoid careless mistakes.
• Flag a question and go on to the next one if you have no idea of the answer. Spending too much time on one question might keep you from having enough time to answer others that you do know. You should not leave any question unanswered. If there is time, you should come back to it later at the end of that part of the test.
• Pace yourself during the test. Budget your time so that you have a chance to answer all the questions. Your proctor will periodically let you know the time remaining in the part of the test you are taking.
• Check your answers as you take the test.
• Some questions require more planning than others. This is especially true of open-ended questions and writing tasks. First, outline the steps required to respond to the question. Then, identify related information and eliminate non-related information when you can.

Here is some back ground on how we got here and resources related to NJDOE graduation requirements.

The NJ State Board of Education Adopts NJGPA Graduation Ready Cut Score: On September 8, 2021, the State Board of Education adopted graduation assessment requirements for the classes of 2023, 2024 and 2025. The new regulations comply with State statute (N.J.S.A. 18A:7C-1 et seq.) and establish, as one pathway for graduation, achieving a graduation ready cut score on the English language arts (ELA) and mathematics components of the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA).

On February 2, 2022, the State Board of Education adopted the recommended graduation ready cut score of 750 for both the ELA and mathematics components of the NJGPA. This update for the classes of 2023-2025 has been posted to the Graduation Assessment Requirements for the Classes of 2023 - 2025.

State BOE Memo from 2/2/22 regarding: New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) Update: Cut Scores and English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Resources